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16

Can't Move Object in Illustrator CC2020 Using Mouse on Windows 10

Community Beginner ,
Feb 26, 2020 Feb 26, 2020

I cannot move any items in Illustrator using the mouse to drag the items, I can only move them using the arrow keys. Even if I open up a new document and place in a new object, I cannot open it, so it is not a problem specific to my file. None of my objects are locked. I do not have any hidden dialouges. I've already tried restarting Illustrator, resetting my preferences, etc. None of it works.

 

This has happened several times in the last few months and so I'm wondering if it's a bug?

 

I'm using the latest version of Illustrator as of 2/26/2020: Illustrator 24.02 Using Windows 10.

 

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correct answers 5 Correct answers

Community Beginner , Feb 26, 2020 Feb 26, 2020

! For some reason after I closed out of Photoshop, I could move objects again. Not sure what the issue was since there were no dialouge's open in Photoshop. but all is well. Thank you for your assitance. 

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New Here , Jun 30, 2020 Jun 30, 2020

This happened to me too but seemed to go away after I selected the artboard with the artboard tool. Strange!

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New Here , Aug 22, 2020 Aug 22, 2020

Found the answer on Youtube ... you have to click on the path of the object ... not the bounding box ... then you can move the object with the mouse ... was driving me crazy just using arrow keys! (I am using a mac btw..)

 

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Adobe Employee , Apr 22, 2022 Apr 22, 2022

Hi @M__Smith,

 

I am really sorry to hear about your experience. This is not an ideal workaround you are using. I would request you to please share a few more details like:

  • The exact version of OS, Ai & PS
  • Does it happen while working on some files or all?
  • Is this happening intermittently/ randomly or consistently?
  • Please share a small screen recording of the issue. It would be really helpful for us.
  • Which mouse are you using, or are you using a trackpad?

 

We are here to help. We just need mo

...
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Adobe Employee , May 19, 2022 May 19, 2022

Hi All,

 

We are sorry for the trouble. I would like to inform you all that a similar issue has been addressed for Mac in Illustrator update along with the latest macOS update, v12.4. I would request you all the update Windows 10 to the latest build and Illustrator to v26.3.1 and share your observation with us. If you are still facing the issue, please share the information asked above. This information will help us investigate the issue further.

 

Please feel free to reach out. We'd be happy to

...
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New Here ,
Aug 05, 2025 Aug 05, 2025

This problem is still persistent, as I too am experiencing it. I am using a Windows 11 Dell laptop and working in Illustrator v29.7.1. 

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Adobe Employee ,
Aug 05, 2025 Aug 05, 2025

Hello @heatherh66664727,

I'm sorry to hear you're having the same problem. Could you share more details, like whether Illustrator behaves this way with all files, and a screen recording of your exact workflow and the problem, so I can check it with the team?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Anubhav

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New Here ,
Aug 12, 2024 Aug 12, 2024

It's happening to me now, just when I'm rushing a few projects, it's driving me crazy. Worse, quitting Photoshop did not help.

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Community Beginner ,
Nov 17, 2024 Nov 17, 2024

Where is the clear response and answer to my mouse inability to move Ilustrator objects???.   I tried to restart and that didnt work.  Using Iliststor 2025 on the PC.  Help!!

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Community Expert ,
Nov 18, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

And did you try any of the other things?

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Community Beginner ,
Nov 18, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

There is no clear response. Read the thread and try the other solutions.

PS:  Using Iliststor 2025 Mac.. 

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Community Beginner ,
Nov 19, 2024 Nov 19, 2024
Using Adobe 2024 over 2025 version worked on the same file. Something is wrong with 2025 PC version Never had this problem during my 34 years using Illustrator.

Earthdude

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New Here ,
Dec 20, 2024 Dec 20, 2024

Happened to me too. I closed down Illustrator, Photoshop and Premiere, then reopened Illustrator and now it works fine. Seems like it's a bug that happens when overwhelmed with too many Adobe applications/ files open.

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New Here ,
May 13, 2025 May 13, 2025

Happened to me too suddenly — solved it by:  save project > quit Illustrator > reopen > working as usual again

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Community Beginner ,
Sep 25, 2025 Sep 25, 2025

I ran into this problem just now, it was after I dragged an image from Photoshop into Illustrator, AI gave me the windows error sound when I tried to select or drag elements. It seems that there was some conflict with Photoshop because the element I had dragged from PS still had the Transform box around it. After restarting both apps, AI returned to normal. I think maybe something got "stuck" between the two programs and Illustrator refused to proceed because it was still waiting for Photoshop? Hope this helps someone with the same issue.

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Adobe Employee ,
Sep 26, 2025 Sep 26, 2025
LATEST

Thank you for sharing the solution that worked for you. We really appreciate it. Please feel free to post on the community for any issues in the future.

 

We will try our best to help.

 

Thanks,

Harshika

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